Scranton Area Community Foundation Grant Helps Indraloka Keep Rescued Animals’ Food Fresh For the rescued animals at Indraloka, donated fruits and vegetables are an important source of fresh, nutritious food. A $2,500 Critical Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation is helping ensure more of that food reaches the animals instead of being lost to spoilage. The grant supported a solution to an urgent food storage challenge. Without adequate temperature-controlled storage, donated produce was vulnerable to spoiling in summer and freezing in winter. Those losses meant wasted food, higher feed costs, and fewer fresh options for the animals. Indraloka initially planned to house a donated industrial walk-in cooler in a new climatecontrolled shed. While working to secure the remaining funding, the organization found a more economical solution: Meals on Wheels of NEPA offered two commercial refrigerators at a deeply discounted price. Together, the refrigerators provided storage capacity comparable to the originally proposed cooler, and both fit inside Indraloka’s existing feed room. This allowed the organization to meet its refrigeration needs without constructing a new building. “Our community gives so generously to help feed the animals, and we want to make every donation count,” said Dr. Indra Lahiri, Indraloka’s founder and CEO. “The Scranton Area Community Foundation’s support helped us solve a practical problem with a direct impact on daily care. And through Meals on Wheels of NEPA, we found a way to accomplish that goal while making our resources go further.” Indraloka staff transported the refrigerators using existing vehicles and prepared the feed room for installation, including deep cleaning the space and removing shelving for cleaning. The refrigerators are now in place, keeping donated produce fresh longer and reducing food waste. The project demonstrates how a modest investment in essential infrastructure can strengthen an organization’s ability to provide daily care. It also highlights the value of local nonprofits working together: equipment no longer needed by one organization is now helping another preserve a vital food source. Indraloka thanks the Scranton Area Community Foundation for its support and Meals on Wheels of NEPA for helping make this solution possible.
University of Scranton, Scranton-Led NASA Grant To Bring Space Science To Communities Nationwide Funded through NASA’s Science Activation (SciAct) program as a cooperative agreement, the University has been entrusted with a nearly $5.5 million grant to lead a space education and citizen science initiative focused on space weather and amateur radio. The project aims to bring scientific discovery out of research laboratories and into schools, libraries, museums and communities across the nation. Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., associate professor of physics and engineering, will serve as the principal investigator of the project, titled “Discovering the SPARC: Space Physics Through Amateur Radio Connections.” Collaborating institutions include the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), Space Science Institute, MIT Haystack Observatory, University of Alabama and New Jersey Institute of Technology with Kera Collective as the external evaluator. The grant totals $5,495,781 and will be administered as a five-year agreement through 2031. “This is an extremely competitive and significant grant,” Dr. Frissell said. “SciAct is a premier program in which NASA gives its science back to the very people who fund this work — the American people. Not only does this award recognize The University of Scranton as a national leader in the field of space weather and citizen science, but it also gives us a unique opportunity to partner with NASA and other SciAct grantees in a way that will magnify our ability to have a meaningful impact.” The project’s centerpiece is the creation of “Discovery Stations,” which will be located at public venues and will allow visitors to see real-time space weather data. Individuals will be able to learn how solar activity affects communications. Additionally, the grant will fund the deployment of approximately 85 Citizen Science Space Weather Monitors throughout the country. These stations will collect data on radio signals and ionospheric conditions, contributing observations to a national research network while also serving as education tools for the public. Also, the ARRL Teachers Institute will provide educators with curriculum materials that will connect classroom lessons to live NASA data. Beyond the programs and technology being developed, the initiative is designed to support a self-sustaining network of teachers, amateur radio operators, citizen scientists and community partners who will have access to NASA science long after the initial funding period ends. For Dr. Frissell, one of the most important aspects of the award is the opportunity to collaborate with other organizations. Together, they will make NASA science more accessible to the public, developing new ideas and approaches that extend far beyond what any one institution could accomplish on its own. “We will be innovating and collaborating with teams across the SciAct portfolio,” he said. “I can only imagine the great things that will come of this.”
NEPA Philharmonic To Present Deaf-Inclusive (Candle)LIT Brahms Requiem, With ADA Livestream Following a sold-out candlelit Nosferatu live performance on October 15th and two sold-out candlelit Mozart Requiem performances in October 2025, the NEPA PHIL (Candle)LIT Festival returns with a second candlelit choral requiem on Thursday, November 12th at 7:00PM at Elm Park United Methodist Church in Scranton. The NEPA Philharmonic, Music Director Mélisse Brunet, and the Marywood University Concert Choir present (Candle)LIT Brahms Requiem, highlighting the transcendental beauty of Johannes Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem, “A German Requiem”, in a special performance of the moving masterpiece in the historic local church. Audiences will be immersed in the emotional depth of this humanistic work of mourning, hope, and the beauty of life, alongside a thousand electric candles. The concert will be 70-80 minutes in length without intermission, with a Pre-Concert Talk starting at 6:00PM. Tickets start at $29 for adults and $16 for students with ID, with higher ticket prices at the door and for premium seating. Tickets are available at NEPAPHIL.org or by calling 570-270-4444. The Brahms Requiem concert will be a Deaf-Inclusive performance and will include live ASL interpretation in partnership with Interpretek, along with English-translation supertitles. Haptic vests, bone-conduction headphones, and amplifying headphones will also be provided in partnership with Silent Sound System. Deaf-Inclusive accessibility for this performance is made possible by a generous grant to the Philharmonic from the Margaret Briggs Foundation. For patron accessibility, the Elm Park Church elevator is currently out of service due to a mechanical issue and will be unavailable for this performance. Access to the church for this performance will require ascending 1 flight of stairs (14 steps) from street level on Linden Street. As such, an ADA Livestream ticket option to watch the concert live from home is available for $29 at NEPAPHIL.org or at 570-270-4444. Patrons who have already purchased tickets may request the livestream link, or any refunds or exchanges, by calling 570-270-4444. The livestream will begin at 6:00PM, including both the Pre-Concert Talk and the concert itself, and will only be available for live viewing. Baritone Sunghoon Han, originally announced as one of the soloists for this concert, will unfortunately need to withdraw from this performance; the NEPA PHIL is grateful to welcome Phillip Bullock as the baritone soloist on November 12th. Joining Mr. Bullock alongside the Philharmonic are previously announced frequent NEPA PHIL collaborators, soprano soloist Jessica Leigh and the Marywood University Concert Choir. In addition to support from the Margaret Briggs Foundation, (Candle)LIT Brahms Requiem is supported by NEPA PHIL Season Sponsor PNC Bank and Symphony Series sponsor Thalenfeld Family, along with Munley Law, Paul & Adrienne Horger, and Christine & Harry Zike. Tickets for the concert and livestream are available at NEPAPHIL.org or by calling 570-270-4444.
Moses Taylor Foundation Hosts Biennial Event Moses Taylor Foundation, a private foundation with a mission to improve the health of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania, hosted its biennial meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Danielle Breslin, President and CEO of Moses Taylor Foundation, shared a strategic update on the Foundation’s four focus areas of Health Care Access and Quality, Older Adult Health, School-Based Health, and Nonprofit Effectiveness. Kelly Ranieli, Executive Director of Volunteers in Medicine, received the Douglas G. Allen Leadership Award. The award, established in 2019, honors Doug Allen’s leadership as Founding Chair of the Moses Taylor Foundation Board of Directors. It is awarded biennially to a community leader who shares his commitment to improving the health of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Ranieli has served as Volunteers in Medicine’s Executive Director since its inception in 2008. For 18 years, she has worked diligently to generate funding, recruit volunteers and staff, implement programs, and expand access to high-quality, comprehensive health care for underserved populations. She has positioned the unique nonprofit as a nationally certified Patient-Centered Medical Home with a multitude of services to ensure holistic, high-quality, coordinated health care. Through her strategic leadership, unwavering commitment to health equity, and ambitious vision to further integrate innovative services and programs, Ranieli continues to advance the organization’s mission of providing health, hope, and healing to those who need it most. At the event, Allen spoke of Ranieli’s dedication to others and pursuit of excellence in care, noting, “On behalf of the Board and staff, I am delighted to recognize Kelly and her unwavering commitment to this community.” The Foundation also recognized nine regional nonprofits participating in its Mental Health Learning Community Cohort at the event. Lisa Savero, Senior Program Officer, shared, “The collaboration between the organizations and professionals invested in this work has been nothing short of inspiring. We are grateful for each cohort member’s collaboration, openness, and shared purpose, which make this Learning Community especially meaningful. We appreciate how you’ve helped bring our framework to life and advance community-based systems change.” The Mental Health Learning Community Cohort includes participants from Catholic Social Services, Diocese of Scranton; Community Care Behavioral Health Organization; Geisinger Health Foundation; Greater Scranton YMCA; Healthy Family Partnerships/Wyoming County Commissioners; Keystone Human Services; The Wright Center for Community Health; United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania; and Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers. Keynote speaker Alex Briscoe, Principal, Strategy and Systems Change at Public Works Alliance, delivered an inspiring message about valuing and integrating mental and behavioral health care, listening to the community served, and understanding how systems-based frameworks affect regional communities. He also led a 90-minute workshop that explored what it will take—practically and systemically—to build a new model of care centered on community and lived expertise in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Geisinger Honors Employees With The Caring Award Geisinger honors five valued employees with The Caring Award. The Caring Award was established to honor a valued employee, Susan M. Robel. Her career spanned over 30 years where she used compassion when caring for others The award honors employees who care for others through compassion, service, and commitment to helping others. The 2026 recipients include: Kara Bond, Caitlin Prusko, Bridget Stem, Sheila Transue, and Patricia Wojciechowski.
Johnson College to Host a Free Fix-It-Fair Johnson College will host a free fix-it-fair on Saturday, November 14th from 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. Participants can bring anything to be fixed from clothing items, to small appliances, to electronics. The fair will offer free, beginner friendly workshops, family activities, resume assistance, and mock interviews. The event will be located at Johnson College Scranton Campus Registration is required for repairs and workshops. Register here.
Griffin Pond Animal Shelter To Host Bonnie & Clyde Bingo Griffin Pond Animal Shelter to host Bonnie & Clyde bingo on Sunday, November 8th. The event will be located at the Dunmore Holiday Inn. Doors open at 1:00 p.m., and games begin at 3:00 p.m. Tickets for the event are $50. They can be purchased here (with processing fee) or at Griffin Pond’s front desk from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Wright Center for Community Health, Allied Services celebrate new primary care clinic with ribbon-cutting ceremony The Wright Center for Community Health and Allied Services celebrated the opening of a new primary care clinic inside Allied Services Rehabilitation Hospital at the Luger Scranton Rehab Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Oct. 23. The primary care office at 475 Morgan Highway opened Oct. 16, expanding access to affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary and preventive health services for adults throughout the region, including checkups, physicals, screenings, and treatment for common illnesses and injuries. Patients do not need to be Allied Services patients to receive care at the new location. The Wright Center has locations in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties that provide care to individuals and family members of all ages, including a mobile medical and dental unit, Driving Better Health, that delivers care where individuals live, work, play, and study. To make an appointment, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-591-5285. “Everyone deserves convenient access to high-quality primary care,” said Dr. Erin McFadden, senior vice president and chief medical officer at The Wright Center for Community Health. “Our partnership with Allied Services allows us to meet people where they are and connect more individuals and families with the comprehensive care they need to live healthier lives.” The Wright Center’s new community health center builds on the ongoing partnership between The Wright Center and Allied Services, two organizations committed to strengthening access to comprehensive care and support services throughout the region. “We are excited to expand our partnership with The Wright Center,” said Robert Cole, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief analytics officer at Allied Services. “Our two organizations share the same values and commitment to our community, and The Wright Center bringing primary care services to our campus will be a tremendous benefit to the patients and families that we collectively serve.” Allied Services provides comprehensive rehabilitation and support services to more than 1,200 children and thousands of adults through outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, long-term care centers, residential services, vocational programs, and hospice and palliative care across Northeast Pennsylvania.
Johnson College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast SCRANTON, Pa (Oct. 27, 2026) – Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast today, October 27, 2026, at Fiorelli Family Catering in Peckville. The event recognized the scholarship recipients and honored the generous donors who made scholarships available to students. The College awarded 72 scholarships. Jewel Amoroso, a second-year student in Johnson College’s Biomedical Equipment Technology program and recipient of the John K. & Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, served as the student speaker at the event. “My goal is to use the knowledge and skills I’m gaining at Johnson College to make sure that equipment is safe and reliable. My hope is not only to become a professional, but to make a positive impact through my work,” Jewel said. She shared that the generosity of scholarship donors and the support of Johnson College allow her to create a better future, not just for herself, but for the people who will benefit from the students work. The event also featured keynote speaker Betsy Summers, Treasurer of the Northeast Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, who spoke on behalf of the North Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Scholarship. Presenting sponsors of the event included Cardinal LG and SIMONA AMERICA Industries. The breakfast concluded with the scholarship awards presentation by Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., president and CEO of Johnson College, and Jeanine Engelmann, Ed.D., chief academic officer of Johnson College. The presented awards included: AAA North Penn Annual Scholarship, Lance Conklin; Edgar A. and Ida M. Alekna Foundation, Brianna Kocher, Karen Martinez, Niko Saldukas, and Andre Trojan; Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial Scholarship, Evan Kilgore; Bartolai Family Scholarship, Ashton Labert; Vince Bartolai Memorial Biomedical Equipment Technology Scholarship, Kaylin Chaney; John K. & Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, Jewel Amoroso and Layanna Andujar; Margaret Briggs Scholarship, Timothy Flanagan and Corey Machmer; Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship, Andrew Kondisko; Hilda Dakey and Harry Dakey Memorial Scholarship, Eliza Collins, Enmanuel Echavarria, Ruddy Jimenez Peralta, Halie Longobardi, and Jason Rodney; Vernon “Terry” Decker Scholarship, William Dotzel; P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship, Charles Tartaglia; John T. Gerod Scholarship, Mason Thomas; Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship, Devon Anderson; Hawk Family Foundation Scholarship, Luke Hoats and Abigail Trowbridge; Thomas Hesser Scholarship, Carlos Martinez; Frank and Jean Hubbard Scholarship, Madyson Martinelli; HVAC Refrigerant Recycling Initiative Scholarship, Aidan Graff; Jefferson Township Lions Scholarship, William Chupko; Orlando S. Johnson Merit Award, Aidan Graff and Breanna Perini; Johnson College Moffat Merit Award, Brittany Bella and Kaitlyn Miner; Johnson College Presidential Scholarship, Krista Dudeck, Anastasia Lehman, Maureen Newcomb, Zachary Wilbur; Johnson College Richmond Merit Award, Austin Fortney, Evalin Owens; Johnson College Technology Merit Award, James Eckmeder, John Plumey; Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship, Jessica Bostjancic; William Lesik Memorial Scholarship, Donald Church, Lydia Gilson; Andrew Mazza Memorial Scholarship, Kynan Longworth; F. David Mercanti Memorial Scholarship, Ethan Howe; MotorWorld Lexus Scholarship, Jackson McHugh, Kahlil Williams; Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative Scholarship, John Juarez; North Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Scholarship, Estelle Shingler; John R. O’Hara Scholarship, Macian Knott; Chris Pambianco ’65 Vocational Education Award, Alyssa Hart, Laila Valree; Al Pantuso Automotive Technology Scholarship, Xavier Arzola; John R. and Maureen J. Pesavento Johnson College Scholarship, Kiley Williams; Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Andrew Eagon, Julius Kornafel; Irene Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Erith Marmolejos-Hernandez, Xavier Noel; Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship, Ian DeAngelis, Brendan Galimi; Ross Family Foundation Scholarship, Andrew Baker, Landyn Termini; Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II Scholarship, Gavin Waibel; Ruth Stitt Morgan Memorial Scholarship, Jessica Bostjancic; James E. Sweeney Memorial Scholarship, Felix Peraza; Dr. Islyn Thomas Achievement Award, Ryan Murray; Scranton UNICO Foundation Scholarship, Jayson Lambert; Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. Scholarship, Jamal Benedict, John Silvi; Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship, Maureen Newcomb, Veronica Roca Ruano; Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship of the NEPA Chapter of the Antique Truck Club of America, Blake Labar.
Run Against Hunger 5K, 10K and 2-Mile Walk to Benefit St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen AllOne Charities and Scranton Running Company are partnering to host the 14th Annual Run Against Hunger 5K, 10K and 2-Mile Walk, an event dedicated to bringing the community together in support of a vital local cause: fighting hunger and helping neighbors in need. Sponsored by Ethical Factor RX and Excalibur Insurance, funds raised will benefit the St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, an organization committed to providing meals and compassionate support to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity throughout the community. The Run Against Hunger welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels to take part in the 5K or 10K race or enjoy the 2-mile walk. Whether running for a personal best, walking with family and friends, or showing support for the cause, participants will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while promoting health, community spirit, and service to others. Through this partnership, AllOne Charities and Scranton Running Company aim to bring people together around a shared mission: ensuring that those facing hunger receive the support and resources they need. The generosity of sponsors, participants, and community supporters will help further the important work of St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen and its commitment to serving those in need. Date: Saturday, November 7th Online Pre-Registration: https://runsignup.com/…/RunAgainstHunger5K10KRun2miwalk Packet Pickup: Friday, November 6th Day-of Registration/Packet Pick-up: 7:30am-8:45am Awards: Top overall Female, Male (for 5k and 10k), Top overall walker, Top 2 Females and Males in the following age groups (5k & 10k only); 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49. 50-59, 60-69, 70+ 0-19+ Address: 2 West Olive St., Scranton, PA 18508 (Scranton Half Marathon Pavilion) Participants and spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to help stock St. Francis of Assisi’s food pantry. Canned Corn/Peas/Carrots, Cereal, Canned Fruit, Spaghetti Sauce, Peanut Butter and Oatmeal are some food staples the food pantry could use some help restocking. For more information about registration, sponsorship opportunities or the event itself, head to; https://runsignup.com/…/RunAgainstHunger5K10KRun2miwalk or call Scranton Running Co. 570.955.0921
